Five riders from Portishead and Bristol cycled more than 300 miles to support the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

Six-year-old Bradley captured the nation’s hearts with his battle against a rare form of cancer, but died in July.

His passionate support of Sunderland Football Club – and friendship with England striker Jermain Defoe – saw him make headlines across the country and his family has since launched a charity in his memory to help sick children.

Lee Rackham, from Portishead, decided to cycle to Sunderland to raise money for the foundation.

They had hoped to raise £5,000, but that has long since been eclipsed with the total now standing at more than £6,150.

Lee said: “Recently the football and wider communities were devastated to hear of the passing of six-year-old Bradley Lowery. This young man’s smile touched the lives of so many far and wide.

“In respect of Bradley and his family, we rode 348 miles across four days from Ashton Gate to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, Bradley’s beloved football club.

“It was a huge challenge for the riders but bears no comparison to the strength Bradley showed the country in his short-lived life.”

Lee said the ride was not entirely plain-sailing and they were taken aback about the strength of feeling for Bradley.

He said: “It was hard work. One of the days we had to do 108 miles as there was a road closure.

“However, the last day was great with the sun shining.

“Up there he (Bradley) is a god. A homeless man gave us all the money he had collected that day.”

The riders also stopped off at Wolves and Derby County’s stadiums on the way, with the latter giving them a signed shirt.

The team met Bradley’s family before watching City beat Sunderland 2-1, thanks to goals from Bobby Reid and Milan Djuric. The win lifts the Reds into fourth and leaves Sunderland languishing in 23rd spot and at risk of consecutive relegations.

Sponsorship for Lee’s ride is still being sought.

Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nick-duff